Jan Hondzinski, PhD, Receives 2025 Rosina Kahn Sapir Parkinson’s Community Service Award

BATON ROUGE, LA — Jan Hondzinski, PhD, professor and motor behavior area coordinator in the LSU School of Kinesiology, was awarded the Rosina Kahn Sapir Parkinson’s Community Service Award by Louisiana Walks for Parkinson’s, an annual community fundraiser held in support of the Parkinson’s Foundation. 

Hondzinski has dedicated much of her career to helping people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) through her motor control research. Evidence from research in Hondzinski’s lab revealed that movements such as multidirectional step practice with rhythmic auditory stimulation improved movement abilities thus the quality of life for people living with PD. More recently, research outcomes from the lab indicated that daily ingestion of wild blueberries may limit declines in PD walking variability associated with fall risk. Currently, funded projects involve determining the best exercise dose to improve motor symptoms (National Institutes of Health) and assessing sensory contributions to control of balance (Parkinson’s Foundation) for people with PD. For more than 15 years, Hondzinski has served as director of a modified tai chi program, helping older adults and people with PD build leg strength, improve balance and enhance fine motor skills. She also serves as the chairperson for the annual Louisiana Parkinson’s Conference and is involved with Mission for Movement and the Louisiana Moving Day Walk. 

“Major goals of my research involve identifying non-medical treatments for people with Parkinson’s," Hondzinski said. "I am thankful to my students, colleagues and friends with PD that continue to help me work toward achieving these goals.”

Hondzinski has previously received the 2023 Louisiana Moving Day Walk Community Support and Health Award, the 2018 LSU College of Human Sciences & Education Engagement Award and the 2010 LSU Flagship Faculty Award. 

Louisiana Walks for Parkinson’s is held annually by the Parkinson’s Foundation Gulf Coast chapter and benefits the Parkinson's Foundation, which advances research, provides educational resources and funds programs that make life better for people living with PD. 

“Dr. Hondzinski’s teaching, research and community service embodies the mission of the School of Kinesiology, advancing the understanding of physical activity, sport and health to optimize the quality of life," Arend Van Gemmert, PhD, LSU School of Kinesiology director, said. "The impact of her research and training of students in her laboratory transcends the confines of the academic community by combining training and research with community service aimed to help individuals with Parkinson’s disease to stay more self-reliant by improving their mobility and balance and thus improving their well-being.”

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About the LSU School of Kinesiology
The LSU School of Kinesiology (SOK) advances the understanding of physical activity, sport, and health to optimize the quality of life for diverse populations through excellence in teaching, learning, discovery, and engagement. SOK offers a BS, MS, Online MS, PhD, and two certificate options. Graduates go on to successful careers in the health and fitness industry, corporate wellness, sport agencies and businesses, athletic administration, and K-12 educational settings. SOK is part of the College of Human Sciences & Education.

Visit the School of Kinesiology website.